The major regeneration and modification of two formerly decommissioned New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) has been completed at the Devonport Dockyard ahead of the ships’ handover to the Irish Naval Service (INS).
Babcock was appointed by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) in March 2022 to undertake the maintenance and upgrade program after the IPVs were purchased by the Republic of Ireland.
According to Babcock’s Program Director in New Zealand, Mark Worsfold, incorporating a supply chain of local businesses helped Babcock achieve the successful delivery of the former New Zealand Navy ships Rotoiti and Pukaki to the INS.
“Babcock has been able to invest significantly into the New Zealand economy, partnering with nearly 30 New Zealand businesses to form an extensive and trusted supply chain,” he said.
“Our partnership with the NZDF is focussed on building long term collaborative relationships with New Zealand businesses to deliver broader economic outcomes. This regeneration project is another great demonstration on what New Zealand industry can achieve together.”
Babcock engaged Lloyds Register to provide classification and survey on work undertaken such as overhauls of main and auxiliary engines, installation of electrical and platform management systems as well as hull and propeller preservation work. Babcock also worked closely with the INS to integrate equipment currently used across the rest of the Irish Naval fleet.
The two vessels were picked up from Auckland on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 April, by a heavy lift ship ahead of their 33 day voyage to Cork, Ireland, to enter the next chapter of their service.
Babcock also built the Samuel Beckett class offshore patrol vessels for the INS and has since been contracted to install a variable speed drive system for the central cooling onboard.
